Member of two brisk walking groups in Abidjan
Fatoumata Ba
Principal translator/Reviser French
Abidjan
Summary
Experienced and highly trusted English-French translator with 7+ years of hands-on experience in legal, financial, technical, and diplomatic translations. Expertise in post-editing machine translation output, terminology research, and producing faithful translations. Proven ability to handle sensitive documents, including communication from heads of state and intergovernmental agreements. Recognized for exceptional accuracy, consistency, quality control, and utilization of CAT tools and AI-powered translation platforms.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Regional Translator
US Embassy, Abidjan
Abidjan, Abidjan
04.2023 - Current
- Translated and revised a wide range of complex and sensitive documents from English to French and vice versa for 18 U.S. Embassies in Francophone Africa, including:
- A confidential letter from President Mohamed Bazoum to Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the 2023 constitutional crisis in Niger
- The first commercial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Cote d'Ivoire and the United States
• Translations published on U.S. Department of State platforms, demonstrating a high level of linguistic accuracy and institutional compliance
• Conducted post-editing of neural machine translations and ensured faithfulness to original intent, tone, and register
• Performed thorough document checking for terminology, length, and difficulty before translation
• Led terminology research, consulted reference documents, and collaborated with subject matter experts
• Revised and quality-checked translations of legal, political, economic, technical, and administrative texts
• Maintained terminology consistency and adherence to institutional style guides in multi-translator workflows
Manager, Translation Agency
Self-employed
07.2017 - 07.2020
- Directed a translation agency delivering high-quality multilingual services in legal, financial, and technical domains for both local and international clients
- Coordinated a team of freelance translators, ensuring the on-time delivery of complex translation projects with a strong focus on accuracy, quality control, and faithfulness to source texts
- Oversaw post-editing workflows using neural machine translation (NMT) and advanced computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools to optimize productivity and output quality
- Designed and maintained terminology management strategies, including the development of specialized glossaries across economic, financial, legal, and technical fields to ensure terminological consistency
- Reviewed and revised specialized documents, including sensitive materials, to guarantee conformity with source texts and uphold rigorous quality assurance standards
- Performed in-depth research and expert consultation to address complex translation challenges, ensuring alignment with the spirit, style, and nuances of the original documents
- Mentored junior translators, providing continuous feedback and guidance to build capacity and support their professional development
- Handled client communications, managed project workflows, ensured timely delivery aligned with client expectations, and contributed to business development through strategic planning and client satisfaction
Freelance Translator
Self-employed
07.2017 - 03.2019
- • Translated over 200 documents across diverse sectors, including:
- Legal: contracts, bylaws, court decisions, notarized documents
- Financial: audit reports, balance sheets, due diligence reports, annual and quarterly financial statements
- Technical and project-based: environmental assessments, gender equality programs, sustainable development plans
- Medical: patient records, medical reports, pharmaceutical notices
• Delivered faithful and stylistically accurate translations of general and specialized content
• Applied computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, maintained terminology files, and ensured internal consistency
• Conducted quality assurance and revision of own and third-party translations
• Managed tight deadlines while upholding standards of confidentiality and linguistic excellence
Risk Analyst
Sahelo-Saharan Investment and Trade Bank (BSIC-CI)
03.2010 - 10.2016
- Analyzed credit reports for large companies, SMEs, and individuals, preparing detailed recommendations for the management committee
- Prepared and presented periodic internal and external financial reporting
- Worked with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with internal policies and financial regulations
Electronic Banking Assistant
Sahelo-Saharan Investment and Trade Bank (BSIC-CI)
Abidjan, Abidjan
03.2010 - 10.2016
- Managed electronic payment terminals and supported merchants in their operations
- Assisted and provided technical support for payment card customers and verified transactions for potential fraud
- Ensured fraud prevention and verified electronic deposits
Education
Master of Arts - Specialized Translation
Graduate School of Management And Languages (ESTEL)
Dakar 05.2018 - 2019.01
Master's Degree - Applied Foreign Languages (English-Spanish), Business and International Trade
Gaston Berger University
Saint-Louis 01.2007 - 2008.01
Skills
- Translation (Legal, Financial, Technical, Economic, Diplomatic)
- Research and Consultation for Translation Clarifications
- Team Leadership and Mentoring
- Quality Control and Project Management
- Terminology Management and Glossary Creation
- Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools
- Post-editing using Neural Machine Translation
- Translation (Legal, Financial, Technical, Economic, Diplomatic)
Leadership Affiliations
Deputy Secretary General, Association of Translators and Interpreters of Cote d'Ivoire (AITCI), 01/01/19, 01/01/21, Contributed to the promotion of professional translation and interpretation standards in Cote d'Ivoire., Supported professional development initiatives and helped coordinate administrative activities within the national translators' association.
Passions
- Member of two brisk walking groups in Abidjan
- Traveling: USA – UAE – France – UK – Tunisia – Senegal – Mali
Awards
- Two Eagle Awards for Outstanding Service at the U.S. Embassy, 2023
- Superior Honor Award for Excellence in Translation and Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy, 2023
Professional Development
Attended the 2024 ATA Annual Conference in Oregon, USA, Participated in sessions on translation technology, terminology management, and best practices in legal and diplomatic translation.
Interests
Traveling : USA – UAE – France – UK – Tunisia – Senegal – Mali
Timeline
Regional Translator
US Embassy, Abidjan
04.2023 - Current
Master of Arts - Specialized Translation
Graduate School of Management And Languages (ESTEL)
05.2018 - 2019.01
Freelance Translator
Self-employed
07.2017 - 03.2019
Manager, Translation Agency
Self-employed
07.2017 - 07.2020
Risk Analyst
Sahelo-Saharan Investment and Trade Bank (BSIC-CI)
03.2010 - 10.2016
Electronic Banking Assistant
Sahelo-Saharan Investment and Trade Bank (BSIC-CI)
03.2010 - 10.2016
Master's Degree - Applied Foreign Languages (English-Spanish), Business and International Trade
Gaston Berger University
01.2007 - 2008.01
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